Bushkill Outreach yard sale clears $12,500

SUSAN JORSTAD

Friday

May 30, 2008 at 12:05 PM

Bushkill Outreach's yard sale (or flea market, depending on your taste), held at the corner of Route 209 and Bushkill Falls Road throughout Memorial Day weekend, has been declared a fundraising success by event organizers, bringing in $12,500 for the non-profit group.

Bushkill Outreach's yard sale (or flea market, depending on your taste), held at the corner of Route 209 and Bushkill Falls Road throughout Memorial Day weekend, has been declared a fundraising success by event organizers, bringing in $12,500 for the non-profit group.

The annual event has become a community gathering site that many in the area gravitate to as the first summertime happening.

"We had quite few phone calls asking about it, people anticipating it, because it is becoming quite a community event," said Kate Newman, director. "We actually had calls from people out of town asking when it was going to be."

Bushkill Outreach runs a community food pantry and offers basic material support to neighbors in need.

"All profits go to help with our operating costs," said Kate Newman, director, noting that the funds raised by the flea market cover heat and electricity costs for the year.

Run by more than 50 volunteers, the event featured the usual assortment of household items, furniture, electronics, videos and DVDs, CDs, crafts, bikes, games and toys, as well as this year's addition of an antiques table.

"That went really well and I think we're going to continue to do that, because we get a lot of unique items through here, things with some value to them," said Newman.

Also new this year was a separate clothing tent with new merchandise at the Outreach's regular location just north of the Bushkill blinker light, with clothing donated from an anonymous business.

"The new clothing and toiletries went really well. A lot of people went over there — that was the biggest clothing sale I think we've ever had, It brought in $2,380."

"People were telling us on Sunday that we should have filled up Sunday as well (with bands), so we're looking for that next year. More than 700 hot dogs and hamburgers sold at the food booth during the four days," said Newman, adding thanks to Ken-Do for donating propane for the grill.

One group that has been instrumental to the event's smooth execution for many years is the Bowery Mission Christian Heralds Camp.

"They helped us set up the tents and returned this week to help tear everything down," said Newman. "I'm so grateful for their help because they're nice big strong guys! They help us out a lot — donating ice or anything else we need, plus physical assistance and helping us wire the electric.

"Christian Herald is based in New York, but their camp is right here on Sugar Mountain and I've worked there for years. For several years now, they've been bringing out a group of 15 guys from another facility to help with the manpower — they've really gone out of their way to help us. It's a big help for all our volunteers.

"The Park Service is really terrific for us, too — they watch out for everything at night. And the kids from Lehman Honor Society (who camped overnight) were just terrific. They had such a good time and then they stayed to help us unload the trucks the next day.

"Fernwood gave us the billboard on Route 209, across from Pocono Indian Museum, and we're really grateful for that as well."

Volunteers are at the Bushkill Outreach facility Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings. For any questions about making a donation, call (570) 588-0660.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN JORSTAD

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